Background Periodic cognitive monitoring for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is crucial. However, standard assessments like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) require in-person administration due to visual-based items, creating significant accessibility barriers. Objective This study aims to develop and rigorously validate a machine learning model to accurately estimate total MoCA scores using only telephone-based (remote) items and demographic information. Methods Data from three independent MCI cohorts (2022–2024) were used. Data from 2022 to 2023 (N=425) formed the training set; 2024…
Objectives Lead and mercury are recognised as critical determinants of population health, especially for children and pregnant women. Few UK cohorts have measured lead or mercury in pregnant women since 1990. The aims of this study are to: (1) quantify lead and mercury exposures in a sample of pregnant women in the UK; (2) document concentrations over time in pregnant women in the UK; and (3) compare concentrations with international data. Design Whole blood samples were obtained from pregnant women in a quantitative arm of the Pregnancy, the Environment And nutRition Study in a…
Background Existing research on work engagement among rural nurses is relatively limited. Based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this study aims to identify profiles of work engagement among rural nurses, explore associated factors and derive actionable policy implications. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted on 848 rural nurses in Hunan from June to August 2024. The survey used self-administered general information questionnaires and work engagement scales. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify latent profiles of work engagement. Multinomial…
Background Childhood obesity remains high in the UK, with a higher prevalence among children from ethnic minority groups. The ‘Healthy Madrasa’ programme was developed and implemented in Bradford, UK, to support obesity prevention in Muslim children by working with Islamic religious settings such as madrasas. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore how the ‘Healthy Madrasa’ programme could be adapted for delivery in another UK city where the proportion of people from the Muslim faith is lower and the ethnic composition is more diverse. Design A qualitative study involving a…
Introduction Infertility treatment represents a major reproductive health issue globally, affecting 8%–12% of couples, with heightened prevalence and psychosocial burdens in pronatalist contexts like Iran where cultural and religious norms intensify stigma, emotional distress, marital strain and financial challenges for men, women and couples. Despite growing qualitative research on these experiences within Iran’s healthcare system, findings remain fragmented, limiting higher-order insights into shared challenges, coping mechanisms and relational dynamics. In addition, socioreligious…
Introduction Infertility is a major public health concern, and many individuals face substantial barriers to accessing fertility care. Across jurisdictions, regulations, eligibility criteria and funding frameworks for fertility care vary considerably, particularly in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning people (LGBTIQ+), as well as unpartnered individuals. Moreover, existing definitions and prevalence estimates of infertility are largely derived from studies of heterosexual couples which may underestimate the need for fertility care among other…
Introduction Prognostic information plays a key role in decision-making in adult intensive care units (ICUs), but its influence on advance care planning, treatment limitation and palliative-care integration depends on organisational, legal, cultural and relational factors. This review focuses on how prognostic information is used in decision-making processes. This realist review will explore how, why, for whom and in which ICU contexts prognostic information impacts care planning. Methods and analysis Following Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses (RAMESES) publication standards for…
Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are increasingly recognised as key determinants of self-harm among adolescents, particularly within psychiatric and mental health service settings in Malaysia, where coping resources may shape vulnerability and resilience. Setting A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents referred to psychiatry and mental health services in Malaysia. Data and participants Of 1244 eligible patients aged 10–24 years, 1164 completed a clinician-administered, interviewer-guided questionnaire. Outcome measures Self-harm status was assessed in clinical…
Introduction Surgical site infections (SSI) impose a substantial clinical and economic burden on healthcare systems, accounting for approximately 15% of nosocomial infections. While intraoperative lavage is predominantly performed with isotonic solutions, its efficacy in preventing SSI remains unproven. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has emerged as a promising antimicrobial agent due to its potent microbicidal properties and high biocompatibility. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate whether the systematic introduction of a standardised intraoperative lavage with HOCl reduces the…
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a widely recognised mental health condition that frequently persists into adulthood, significantly impacting emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, education and employment. Adults with ADHD often report substantial psychosocial challenges, including stigma, emotional dysregulation and occupational impairment. However, current literature has primarily concentrated on clinical diagnosis, comorbidities and treatment outcomes with a disproportionate emphasis on quantitative symptom-based metrics. Consequently, there is a…
Introduction Cholecystolithiasis is a common condition and most cases are asymptomatic. In symptomatic cases, gallstone disease results in hospitalisation and significant healthcare costs. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment and is traditionally performed in an inpatient setting. Recent studies indicate that outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy may offer comparable safety and effectiveness yet the feasibility and cost-effectiveness are not conclusively defined. Methods and analysis This randomised-controlled, open-label feasibility trial will be conducted at two surgical…
Introduction Good communication is imperative to high-quality patient care, particularly for achieving positive outcomes in healthcare consultations. Evidence about communication in clinical consultations for people with motor neurone disease (MND) is limited, but the knowledge gap prevents possible improvements to communication skills that are unique to the challenges that people living with MND encounter. This research aims to better understand and improve communication experiences for patients with MND. Methods and analysis A 24-month qualitative longitudinal study whereby data collection…
Kristoffersen EW, Fossum M, Tveit TO, et al Comparison of elective hemicolectomy patients before and after establishment of a preoperative anaesthesia assessment clinic: a retrospective, observational study in a hospital in Norway BMJ Open 2025;15:e100922. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-100922 This article has been corrected since it was published online. At the end of the Discussion section, the text currently reads: "Refuting this possibility, another study found no significant difference in the median number of days of hospital stay for patients undergoing open right hemicolectomy within an ERAS…
J&J is working to expand use of Shockwave’s technology as competition in intravascular lithotripsy builds from companies like Boston Scientific and Stryker.
After scrapping development on its diabetic macular edema treatment avoralstat last month, BioCryst has announced it is shuttering all internal discovery programs to focus on external innovation and partnerships.
Brancaster Pharma Limited has informed the MHRA that the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) in the cartons for the batches listed in this notification were released with an outdated PIL.
A phase 2b trial of Evommune’s EVO756 has missed its primary endpoint, wiping out a would-be rival to Novartis for the chronic spontaneous urticaria market.
The latest report presenting provisional quarterly data on tuberculosis (TB) case notifications and key TB indicators in England. These figures are released for the purpose of providing timely data to inform ongoing TB control activities.